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An American accepted by a compere as wonderful (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

magic

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'wonderful' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'an american accepted by a compere' is the wordplay.
'an' becomes 'a'.
'american' becomes 'gi' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'accepted by' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are accepted).
'a compere' becomes 'mc' (short for master of ceremonies).
'a'+'gi'='agi'
'agi' inserted inside 'mc' is 'MAGIC'.

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for magic that I've seen before include "Prestidigitation" , "Wizardry - wizard!" , "Witchcraft" , "'Charms, spells, illusions (5)'" , "Enchanting quality" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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